(Minghui.org) Four Canadian cities in Ontario held flag-raising ceremonies between May 12 and 13 to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the public and the 26th World Falun Dafa Day. Eight cities in Ontario held flag-raising ceremonies as of May 13 to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

Flag-Raising events were held in 8 Ontario cities to honor World Falun Dafa Day

Brock Mayor: Thanks Falun Dafa for Contributions to Society

Walter Schummer, mayor of Brock and his staff members attended a flag-raising event on May 12 and announced May 13 as “Falun Dafa Day”.

Brock Mayor Walter Schummer announced May 13, 2025, as “Falun Dafa Day”.

Falun Dafa practitioners celebrated the event with Mayor Walter Schummer.

Mayor Walter Schummer raises the Falun Dafa flag

During the ceremony, Mayor Schummer said he was cerebrating World Falun Dafa Day on behalf of the city council, the city, and all the residents. He said May 13 of each year is celebrated as World Falun Dafa Day in over 80 countries to honor the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Mayor Schummer thanked Falun Dafa practitioners for their efforts to improve society.

“I think if our governments, whether it’s federal government, provincial, municipal, if they’re just recognizing it and supporting it worldwide, then, hopefully we will come to a day when all the countries, including China, will recognize and give those rights and freedoms,” Schummer said.

John Henry, CEO for the Regional Municipality of Durham where Brock resides, also sent a congratulatory letter.

Letter from John Henry, CEO for the Regional Municipality of Durham

“On behalf of Durham Region, I would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations as you celebrate the 33rd Falun Dafa Day,” John Henry, CEO for the Regional Municipality of Durham wrote. “Celebrations of spiritual practices strengthen our bonds through mutual respect and gratitude. They make us feel more connected to one another. And they make us proud of the diverse culture, traditions and people that make Durham so vibrant.

“Your commitment to fostering a more harmonious and healthy society is truly commendable. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to promote tolerance and compassion – actions that will help build a brighter future,” he continued. “Your dedication and continuous work to unite people across Canada is truly inspiring.”

Orillia Mayor: Selflessness and Inner Purity

Mayor Don Mclsaac presided over Orillia’s Falun Dafa Day flag-raising ceremony on May 12, and read a proclamation.

Don Mclsaac, Mayor of Orillia, celebrated World Falun Dafa Day with practitioners.

This is the fifth year the Falun Dafa flag was raised in Orillia to celebrate Falun Dafa Day.

Proclamation from Mayor Mclsaac

Mayor Mclsaac wrote in his proclamation:

“Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is an ancient Chinese spiritual discipline in the Buddhist tradition. It consists of moral teachings, meditation and gentle exercises that are a unique and effective way to improve people’s health and energy levels; and

“Falun Dafa was first introduced by Master Li Hongzhi in 1992 in China. Transcending cultural and racial boundaries, today Falun Dafa is being practiced by more than 100 million people in over 114 countries from all walks of life; and

“At the core of Falun Dafa are the values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Through consistent and dedicated practice, the student of Falun Gong comes to achieve a state of selflessness, greater insight and awareness, inner purity and balance; and

“The great compassion and forbearance demonstrated by Falun Dafa practitioners under the Chinese Communist Regime’s most severe persecution have touched every kind-hearted human being.”

Orangeville Mayor: Transcending Cultural and Racial Boundaries

The third flag-raising ceremony on May 12 took place at Orangeville and it was hosted by Mayor Lisa Post.

The Falun Dafa Day flag flies at the Orangeville City Hall.

Mayor Lisa Post and practitioners celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

Mayor Post announced May 13 as Falun Dafa Day.

In her proclamation, Mayor Post wrote:

“Whereas, Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) is an advanced exercise and spiritual practice for mind and body that honors the universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance; and

“Whereas, Falun Dafa has benefited both physically and spiritually tens of millions of people from diverse cultural backgrounds in over 100 countries, including Canada, since its public introduction in China in May 1992; and

“Whereas, Falun Dafa transcends cultural and racial boundaries and contributes to a more peaceful, tolerant, and compassionate society; and

“Whereas, Falun Dafa practitioners in communities across Canada are celebrating Falun Dafa Day on May 13 to mark this year as the 33rd Anniversary.”

Kyle Seeback, a Member of Parliament, also issued a congratulating letter.

Congratulatory letter from Kyle Seeback, M.P.

Kyle Seeback, M.P. wrote:

“As the Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, I sincerely congratulate the Falun Dafa Association of Canada on the 33rd anniversary of Falun Dafa Day. This is a day to celebrate Falun Dafa’s founding principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, which are values we all share as Canadians.

“Today, Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast pay tribute to and recognize the many contributions of the Falun Dafa community in Canada. Thousands of Canadians have significantly benefited from meditation exercises delivered by Falun Gong volunteers.

“I wish the Falun Dafa Association of Canada all the very best for another successful Falun Dafa Day. On behalf of the residents of Dufferin-Caledon, I thank the Falun Dafa community of Canada for 33 years of continued commitment towards building a healthier and more peaceful society.”

Dean Baxendale, CEO of Optimum Publishing International, attended the ceremony and praised practitioners’ effort to safeguard freedom of belief.

Cambridge MPP Commends Falun Dafa’s Long-lasting Values

Cambridge also held a flag-raising ceremony on May 13 for the third consecutive year to honor Falun Dafa Day.

Flag-Raising event at Cambridge on May 13, 2025

The Falun Dafa flags flies in front of the Cambridge City Hall

Congratulatory letter from Brian Riddell, MPP

Brian Riddell, MPP for Cambridge, sent a congratulating letter:

“It is my honor to extend warm greetings to all those commemorating the 33rd Falun Dafa Day.

“Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, has for over three decades inspired millions around the world with its principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. These are universal values that resonate deeply within our communities and contribute to a more harmonious and peaceful society.

“As the Member of Provincial Parliament for Cambridge, I commend the Falun Dafa community for its continued commitment to cultural enrichment, spiritual reflection, and the promotion of human dignity. Your dedication to peaceful practice and moral principles is truly admirable.

“On this important day of reflection and celebration, may you find joy in your shared traditions and strength in your continued efforts to uphold these values.”